Athletic trainers (ATs) are medical professionals who work with sports teams.
They are responsible for preventing, diagnosing, and treating injuries directly at the site of injury.
We spoke with Anna, a collegiate Assistant AT who uses a smaller side-body bag about some of the pain points she has encountered.
There is no storage consideration for her radio, a high touch point.
The bag does not secure well to her body, leading to movement when she runs.
She has had to create makeshift Velcro straps to keep her tape close at hand, but it is not very convenient.
We explored a variety of sizes before narrowing in on a smaller pack.
By bringing some of our sketched ideas into rough paper prototypes, we determined that we wanted a smaller cross-body bag that included multiple accessible compartments.
We focused on a cross body bag that could be used on either side of the body to allow for more flexible use. Beyond that, we made a point to include a two-way radio clip, an external storage solution for tape, and a larger compartment in the front flap of the bag.
A plastic radio clip is located on the upper shoulder strap to keep a two-way radio available and secure at all times.
Tape is held externally by an elastic band and toggle inspired by fly fishing that keeps it both in reach and secure.
For other important supplies that require quick and easy access, an accordion pocket with a magnetic latch is located.
